Mosquitoes can certainly damper outdoor enjoyment. The bloodsucking little biters love to crash picnics and backyard barbecues, replacing fun with discomfort. In order to protect yourself and your family from itchy bumps and bites, it’s important to find the answers to some pressing questions.
When are mosquitoes the worst? When are mosquitoes the least active? Are mosquitoes nocturnal? The best way to deal with them is to understand their behaviors. At Mosquito Joe®, we have the answers you need to help make the great outdoors more enjoyable and less itchy!
When Are Mosquitoes More Prevalent?
Since mosquitoes need a moist environment to lay their eggs, these insects thrive in damp, wet, and dark environments. Female mosquitoes will lay their eggs in anything that has standing water: ponds, planters, birdbaths, and even rain gutters. They will also be more prevalent after heavy rainfalls or near areas of standing water, such as lakes or streams. Because mosquitoes usually only travel a few hundred feet from their breeding sites, keeping these areas clear and dry will help to reduce the population in your yard.
What Time of Day Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
All types of mosquitoes are most active during the early morning hours before the sun has fully come up and around sunset when it cools down a bit. Mosquitoes find direct daylight to be deadly, as it can dehydrate them. So, even though they thrive during the warm summer months, they hide when it gets too hot in the middle of the day and are more likely to be around during dusk and dawn.
They become active again during the evening hours when the sun isn’t as hot. Some species of mosquitoes may also be extremely active at night. If you’re going to engage in physical activity such as running, biking, or hiking, it is best to avoid these times.
Understanding Mosquito Season
Different species of mosquitoes have different life cycles and habitats. In some locations, where a change in temperature follows from winter into spring, some mosquito species will emerge from hibernation while others are born from eggs that had been laid the previous year. In regions where there isn’t a drastic change in temperature, mosquitoes are around all year round.
Generally, if you live in the northern region of the United States, mosquito season starts in late spring, when the rainfall starts to pick up. They often stick around until late fall, when the weather gets too cold for them to survive. Like most of us, they also love the summer months.
If you live in the southern states, you may enjoy a warmer year-round climate, but those warmer temperatures also create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes! Although they are more prevalent in the spring, summer, and early fall, don’t rule out a bite or two in the winter months.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites During Peak Activity Times
Staying away from mosquitoes at all times is not only impossible but also impractical. Understanding when they are at their worst is the key to lessen your chances of contracting itchy bites and mosquito diseases, such as Dengue fever or West Nile Virus.
The following are a few tips for keeping them at bay during any phase of the mosquito life cycle:
- Plan your outdoor activities around mosquito routines.
- Carry mosquito spray. You can buy it at the store or make your own using essential oils.
- Drain standing water around the house.
- Patch holes or rips in window and door screens to keep them out of the house.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants to keep them away from your skin.
- Add plants that are natural repellents to your garden. Basil, lavender, and lemongrass are just a few that will help keep your yard mosquito-free.
- Use outdoor fans to protect your patio from mosquitoes.
- Hire professional mosquito control services.
The surest way to take back your yard from these dangerous biting insects is to contact Mosquito Joe for seasonal mosquito treatments. Our treatments not only repel mosquitoes but are also effective on other pests, such as ticks, fleas, and some flies.
When to Seek Professional Help for Mosquito Control
Whether mosquitoes are worst in the summer months or all year round where you live, there’s one surefire way to send them packing. Mosquito Joe provides comprehensive pest control services to stop mosquitoes from ruining your family’s enjoyment of outdoor spaces. We offer barrier sprays, automated defense systems, and eco-friendly treatment options to get rid of the nasty biters.
All our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. Consider this our promise to do a job you’ll love and mosquitos will hate! Enjoy your outdoor space again without the threat of itchy bites and dangerous diseases.
Request a free quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquito Activity
Since 2010, Mosquito Joe professionals have protected families like yours from nasty biters and other pests. As an industry leader dedicated to environmentally sound pest control, we’re happy to address your most frequently asked questions.
When do mosquitoes come out?
Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening, especially in summer. Since they can dehydrate quickly, they must avoid heat and direct sunlight.
What month are mosquitoes the worst?
Typically, mosquito season runs from late spring to early fall, with June, July, and August being the most active months. However, mosquito activity could occur year-round if you are in a warmer climate!
What temperature do mosquitoes prefer?
Mosquitos prefer temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. You’ll notice the most mosquito activity on days with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets any hotter, mosquitos will rest in the shade until the temperature drops. On the flip side, if it drops lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, though, mosquitoes will become lethargic, slip into hibernation, or die off.
What weather makes mosquitoes go away?
Mosquitoes are not fans of cold or windy weather. During warm, windy weather, they will take temporary shelter until the wind dies down. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, most mosquitos will start to die off.
What scents do mosquitoes hate the most?
Mosquitoes don’t like scents such as lemongrass, citronella, cinnamon, cedar, peppermint, catnip, patchouli, and lavender, which makes them excellent eco-friendly mosquito repellents!
Can mosquitoes survive in an AC unit?
Your AC is one of the easiest ways mosquitoes and insects can get inside your home. The fresh water supply from the condenser is the perfect breeding ground for them, and the vents, ductwork, and any small holes around the units are the perfect entryway to your home.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
